Upgrade Your Peace

In this week's sermon titled "Upgrade Your Peace," the central focus is on deepening our relationship with God through Jesus Christ to experience true peace. This sermon is grounded in John 6:60-66 and explores the transformative power of moving beyond transactional faith to a covenantal relationship with Jesus.

The sermon begins by reflecting on John 6, where Jesus challenges His followers to move beyond seeking Him for miracles alone, such as the feeding of the 5,000, and instead, seek a deeper relationship. Jesus emphasizes that true life and peace come from the Spirit, not the flesh.

Themes and Insights

1. The Scandal of the Gospel**

The text highlights the "scandal of the Gospel"—the truth that intimacy with God is only possible through a relationship with Jesus. He stresses that Jesus is the "bread of life," and it is through Him that believers access the Father. This relationship is not about works but about grace through faith, as Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is sufficient to cover all sin and shame.

2. Understanding True Peace

Peace Defined - biblical peace, or "shalom," is a state of wholeness, where nothing is missing or broken. It is not the absence of friction or pain but the presence of God within those circumstances.  We are also warned against adopting cultural standards of peace, which often equate to comfort and lack of conflict, rather than the kingdom's standard of peace.

3. Living from the Peace of God

Internal vs. External Peace: True peace does not come from external sources or temporary fixes. Instead, it is accessed through the Spirit of God within us. This teaching emphasizes that Jesus lived from this internal peace, which allowed Him to endure suffering and rejection. Peace keeps believers grounded amidst life's storms, preventing brokenness from becoming a permanent state.

4. The Role of Peace in Relationships

Placing People Rightly: Peace helps us navigate relationships, understanding that some people may leave, but truth remains unchanged. Jesus exemplified this by maintaining His message despite opposition.

- Purpose of Friction: Friction, though painful, can sharpen and refine us, leading to growth.

Practical Applications

- Believers are encouraged to "feed on the Word of God" and rely on the Holy Spirit's guidance to access peace.
- By living from the peace of God, we can respond to life's challenges with stability and clarity, allowing the Spirit to guide our thoughts and actions.

We conclude this teaching by reminding the congregation that the same Spirit that empowered Jesus is available to us today, offering a peace that surpasses all understanding. This peace is essential for navigating the complexities of modern life and maintaining a steadfast faith.

Pastor